JP7760286B2 - Air curtain system and method for a vehicle cabin - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to air curtain systems and methods that may be used, for example, within the interior cabin of a vehicle.

Commercial vehicles, such as airplanes, are used to transport passengers between various locations. Some commercial vehicles have HEPA filters in their air conditioning systems that can trap germs and pathogens. The HEPA filters receive and clean the air that leaves the interior cabin or is about to enter the interior cabin. The use of HEPA filters, along with frequent cleaning of the cabin between trips, are some of the methods used to ensure the health of passengers and crew aboard the vehicle. Additionally, some passengers may prefer to wear masks inside the interior cabin of the vehicle to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens.

There is a need for systems and methods to reduce the spread of pathogens in enclosed spaces (e.g., the interior cabin of an operating vehicle).

In response to this need, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system (e.g., an air curtain system) that includes an outflow vent. The outflow vent has a cap that is removably attached to a panel within the interior cabin of a vehicle, the cap being elongated from a first end of the cap to a second end of the cap opposite the first end. The cap has a base wall that overlaps the panel, the base wall defining at least one slot therethrough. The cap receives airflow generated by an airflow generating device, and the at least one slot allows the airflow to exit the cap, forming an air curtain within the interior cabin.

Certain embodiments provide a vehicle including an interior cabin and an air curtain system. The interior cabin includes a row of seats and a panel disposed above the row of seats. The air curtain system is within the interior cabin. The air curtain system includes an outflow vent having a cap removably attached to the panel above the row of seats. The cap has a base wall disposed overlying the panel, the base wall defining at least one slotted hole therethrough. The cap receives airflow generated by an airflow generator, and the at least one slotted hole directs airflow from the cap to form an air curtain associated with the row of seats below.

Certain embodiments provide a system (e.g., an air curtain system) that includes a rail and an outflow vent. The rail is operably connected to an airflow generator of the vehicle and defines a channel that carries airflow from the airflow generator. The outflow vent includes a cap that is removably attached to a panel within the vehicle. The cap has a base wall that overlies the panel, the base wall defining at least one slotted hole therethrough. The cap defines a cavity between the panel and the base wall. A first end of the cap defines an inflow opening, and the first end is coupled to the rail such that the inflow opening is fluidly connected to the channel of the rail. The cap receives airflow from the rail into the cavity and releases the airflow through the at least one slotted hole to form an air curtain within the interior cabin.

1 shows a schematic block diagram of an air curtain system within an interior cabin of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates a side view of an air curtain system within an interior cabin of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates a top view of an interior cabin of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates a top view of an interior cabin of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates an interior perspective view of an interior cabin of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates a front view of a portion of an interior cabin of an aircraft with an inset perspective view of a passenger service unit (PSU) within the interior cabin, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 illustrates multiple vents for an air curtain system according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the effusion vents shown in FIG. 7 according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the effluent vent shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the outflow vent shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, showing the back side of the outflow vent, which is not visible to passengers in the interior cabin. FIG. 11 is an isometric perspective view of the nozzle of the effluent vent shown in FIGS. 8-10. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the effusion vent shown in FIGS. 8-11 during a nozzle removal process according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of the effusion vent during the nozzle removal process shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the effusion vent during the nozzle removal process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle of an outflow vent of an air curtain system according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle of an outflow vent of an air curtain system according to another embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the nozzle shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the nozzle shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover for a nozzle according to one embodiment. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line AA in FIG. 20. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover for a nozzle according to one embodiment. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line BB in FIG. 22. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover for a nozzle according to one embodiment. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line CC in FIG. 24. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cover for a nozzle according to one embodiment. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the cover taken along line DD in FIG. 26. FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outlet vent of an air curtain system according to another embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a PSU and air intake conduit for a vehicle without an outlet vent, according to one embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle's PSU and air supply conduit showing the installation of an outflow vent, according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an effusion vent installed in a PSU, according to one embodiment. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the effusion vent taken along line EE of FIG. 28. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an effusion vent on a PSU according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an air curtain system according to another embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an effusion vent mounted on a panel according to one embodiment. FIG. 36 is a plan view of the effusion vent mounted on the panel shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the cap of the effusion vent shown in FIGS. 34 to 36. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting unit for an outflow vent according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounting unit adapted to be coupled to a cap, according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing a portion of a mounting unit adapted to be connected to a cap. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing one of the caps of the spill vent adapted to be connected to a section of the rail. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an effusion vent during a nozzle removal process according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mounting unit attached to a vent housing connected to a panel, according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an effusion vent according to another embodiment. FIG. 45 is a plan view showing the inside of the effluent vent of FIG. FIG. 45 is a plan view showing the exterior of the effluent vent of FIG. FIG. 45 is an elevational view of a first side of the effluent vent shown in FIG. 44; FIG. 45 is an elevational view of a second side of the effluent vent shown in FIG. 44. FIG. 45 is an elevational view of the first end of the effusion vent shown in FIG. FIG. 45 is an elevation view of the second end of the effluent vent shown in FIG. FIG. 48 is an elevational view of a first side of an effusion vent similar to that shown in FIG. 47, but mounted to a panel, according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for providing an air curtain according to one embodiment.

The above summary of certain embodiments and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, it should be understood that elements or steps described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" do not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" one or more elements having certain conditions may include additional elements that do not have those conditions.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air curtain system and method for use within the interior cabin of a vehicle. The air curtain system is configured to create an air curtain between seats and/or rows within the interior cabin to provide a more controlled airspace. The phrase or term "air curtain" is intended to mean a controlled air flow formed to have an elongated, three-dimensional shape. The air curtain is facilitated or created by the system described herein. For example, the air curtain may be formed by one or more elongated slotted holes extending through a nozzle or cap, and the shape of the air curtain may substantially follow the two-dimensional shape of the slotted hole(s). The air curtain may have an air velocity different from the ambient air velocity to create a curtain-like perception of air within a target area. The air curtain may be a continuous air flow formed to resemble a panel or sheet in nature. In one embodiment, the air curtain is invisible. Alternatively, additives such as colorants or smoke may be added to the air stream to make the air curtain more visible.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an air curtain system 100 in the interior cabin 102 of a vehicle 104 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the air curtain system 100 in the interior cabin 102 of the vehicle 104 shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The air curtain 100 may be integrated with the ventilation system of the vehicle 104. The air curtain system 100 may, for example, receive airflow generated by an airflow generating device 106 of the vehicle 104. The air curtain system 100 includes one or more outlet vents 108 through which the airflow generated by the airflow generating device 106 is directed. The airflow generated by the airflow generating device 106 is a forceful flow of air, as opposed to airflow that is naturally generated in an enclosed space, such as by human movement. The outflow vents 108 include one or more nozzles configured to direct airflow from the airflow-generating devices 106 into air curtains 110 of the air curtain system 100. The outflow vent(s) 108 direct the air curtains 110 between rows 114 of seats 112 and/or between seats 112 within the same row 114. The air curtains 110 output through the outflow vents 108 pass between the seats 112 and/or between the rows 114 and are received by one or more return vents 116 (including one or more registers or other such intakes). The return vents 116 direct the airflow back to the airflow-generating devices 106 and/or elsewhere through one or more conduits 118 (e.g., ducts). Optionally, a filter 119 may be disposed within the conduit to capture airborne particulate matter (e.g., pollen, dust, dirt, bacteria, viruses, liquid aerosols, moisture, and/or the like). The filter 119 may be a HEPA filter.

The nozzle may be sized and shaped to cover a single seat 112 or a row 114 of seats 112. For example, an outlet vent 108 in the form of an elongated nozzle extending over a group of seats 112 may be used. As another example, an outlet vent 108 having a nozzle extending over only one seat 112 may be used. The outlet vent 108 is sized and shaped to provide an air curtain 110 of a desired size and/or shape. In at least one embodiment, the outlet vent 108 may include one or more slits or slots configured to shape the air curtain 110. The outlet vent 108 may be integrated into one or more passenger service units (PSUs) above the seats 112. As another example, the outlet vent 108 may be fixed to the ceiling 120 above the seats 112.

The airflow generator 106 may include a blower, a fan, a vacuum device, and/or the like. The airflow generator 106 is fixed within the interior cabin 102. For example, the airflow generator 106 may be located above the ceiling 120, behind a wall, in a compartment, and/or the like. The airflow generator 106 may be a component of the vehicle's 104 primary air supply system (e.g., a ventilation system). For example, the airflow generator 106 may be a component of the vehicle's 104 onboard environmental control system (ECS) (e.g., a heating and cooling system) that conditions the air supplied to the interior cabin 102. The airflow generator 106 may receive air from outside the vehicle and/or recycled air returning from the return vent(s) 116 through a conduit 118. The main air supply system and/or airflow generator 106 may include one or more air filters (e.g., HEPA filters) to filter the airflow before it passes through the outlet vent 108 and/or as it returns through the return vent(s) 116.

The return vents 116 are configured to receive and capture the air curtain 110 output by the outflow vents 108, facilitating the return of the air curtain 110 airflow to the airflow generator 106. The return vents 116 may be positioned below the seat 112, for example, proximate to a floor 122 supporting the seat 112, on the surface of the floor 122, and/or within the floor 122. The conduit(s) 118 may be arranged to pass below the floor 122 and/or behind a wall to the airflow generator 106. Depending on the location of the outflow vents 108 and return vents 116, the air curtain 110 may be directed from above the seat 112 to below the seat 112, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the air curtain system 100 may not include a return vent 116.

2, the air curtain 110 is configured to limit the transmission of pathogens between people within the interior cabin 102. The air curtain 110 provides a flowing air barrier that prevents or otherwise reduces airflow between seats 112 and/or rows 114. The air curtain captures and redirects biological particulate matter (bioaerosol). In at least one embodiment, the air curtain 110 is generated between the rows 114 to reduce forward and rearward airflow between the rows. For example, the air curtain 110 may capture and trap particles or biological particulate matter (which may include pathogens) emitted when seated passengers breathe, speak, and/or cough. This trapping results in the biological particulate matter being trapped and transported downward toward the return vent 116. In addition to capturing biological particulate matter emitted by seated passengers, the air curtain 110 may also function as a shield in front of the seated passengers, preventing external airborne contaminants and pathogens from entering the seated passengers' breathing space.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least one corresponding outflow vent 108 is positioned between each pair of adjacent rows 114 to provide one corresponding air curtain 110 between the two adjacent rows 114. The outflow vents 108 may be positioned and oriented to provide an air curtain 110 in front of the corresponding row 114 of seats 112, such that each air curtain 110 is positioned within the space between the seat back 124 of a first row of seats 112 and the seat surface 126 of a second row of seats 112 behind the first row. As such, the air curtain 110 is positioned in front of and proximate to the upper body (e.g., head and torso) of a passenger seated in the second row to capture biological particulate matter exhaled by the passenger and to capture biological particulate matter exhaled by other people before the passenger breathes it.

The outflow vent 108 may define the air curtain 110 to be three-dimensional, with the first and second dimensions being significantly longer than the third dimension. The first, second, and third dimensions are perpendicular to one another. For example, the air curtain 110 may have a height along a vertical axis 128 of the interior cabin 102. The height of the air curtain 110 may extend from the outflow vent 108 to the floor 122 and/or the return vent 116. The air curtain 110 has a thickness along a longitudinal axis 130 that extends the length of the interior cabin 102. The thickness of the air curtain 110 is significantly less than the height. The air curtain 110 has a width along a lateral axis 132 of the interior cabin 102 that extends parallel to the rows of seats. For example, the seats in each row may be arranged in a row along a corresponding row axis that is parallel to the lateral axis 132. The width of the air curtains 110, like their height, can be significantly greater than their thickness. For example, the width of each air curtain 110 can extend across multiple seats 112 in the same row 114. The air curtains 110 are elongated and parallel to the row axis of the corresponding row 114 so as to form a sheet or wall of air between the rows 114. The air curtains 110 can be relatively flat, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the outflow vents 108 can form the air curtains 110 to have a curve or bend (e.g., to bend at least partially around one or more passengers seated in a given row 114).

In at least one embodiment, the air curtain(s) 110 may be continuously generated. As another example, the air curtain(s) 110 may be selectively activated and deactivated manually via a user interface in communication with a control unit and/or automatically via a control unit.

Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an aircraft 210, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 210 is an example of the vehicle 104 shown in Figure 1. The aircraft 210 includes a propulsion system 212, including, for example, engines 214. Optionally, the propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than are shown. The engines 214 are carried by wings 216 of the aircraft 210. In other embodiments, the engines 214 may be carried by the fuselage 218 and/or the tail section 220. The tail section 220 may also support horizontal stabilizers 222 and vertical stabilizers 224.

The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 210 defines an interior cabin 230 (e.g., the interior cabin 102 shown in FIG. 1), which may include a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work areas (e.g., a galley, a passenger baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and economy (coach) areas), one or more restrooms, and/or the like.

Alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with various other vehicles (e.g., automobiles, buses, locomotive and train cars, ships, spacecraft, etc.) instead of aircraft. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with stationary structures (e.g., commercial and residential buildings).

Figure 4A shows a top view of an interior cabin 230 of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The interior cabin 230 may be located within a fuselage 232 of the aircraft (such as the fuselage 218 of Figure 3). For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the interior cabin 230. The interior cabin 230 includes multiple zones, including a forward zone 233, a first class zone 234, a business class zone 236, a forward galley station 238, an extended economy (or coach) zone 240, a standard economy zone 242, and an aft zone 244 (the aft zone 244 may include multiple lavatories and galley stations). It should be understood that the interior cabin 230 may include more or fewer zones than shown. For example, the interior cabin 230 may not include a first class zone and may include more or fewer galley stations than shown. Each zone may be separated by a cabin transition area 246, which may include a class divider assembly between aisles 248.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the interior cabin 230 includes two aisles 250 and 252 that lead to the aft section 244. Optionally, the interior cabin 230 may have fewer or more aisles than shown. For example, the interior cabin 230 may include a single aisle extending through the center of the interior cabin 230 that leads to the aft section 244.

The passageways 248, 250, and 252 extend to an exit path or doorway 260. An exit door 262 is located at the end of the exit path 260. The exit path 260 may be perpendicular to the passageways 248, 250, and 252. The interior cabin 230 may include more exit paths 260 than shown, and in different locations than shown. The air curtain system 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be used within the interior cabin 230.

Figure 4B illustrates a top view of an interior cabin 280 of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Interior cabin 280 is an example of interior cabin 230 shown in Figure 3. Interior cabin 280 may be located within a fuselage 281 of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define interior cabin 280. Interior cabin 280 includes multiple sections, including a main cabin 282 having passenger seats 283 and an aft section 285 aft of main cabin 282. It should be understood that interior cabin 280 may include more or fewer sections than shown.

The interior cabin 280 may include a single passageway 284 leading to the rear section 285. The single passageway 284 leading to the rear section 285 may extend through the center of the interior cabin 280. For example, the single passageway 284 may be aligned coaxially with the central longitudinal plane of the interior cabin 280.

The passageway 284 extends to an exit path or doorway 290. An exit door 292 is located at the end of the exit path 290. The exit path 290 may be perpendicular to the passageway 284. The interior cabin 280 may include more exit paths than shown. The air curtain system 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be used within the interior cabin 280.

Figure 5 illustrates an interior perspective view of an aircraft interior cabin 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 300 is an example of the interior cabin 102 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The interior cabin 300 includes a wingtip wall 302 connected to a ceiling 304. Windows 306 may be formed in the wingtip wall 302. A floor 308 supports a row of seats 310. As shown in Figure 5, on either side of an aisle 313, a row 312 may include three seats 310. However, a row 312 may include more or fewer seats 310 than shown. Additionally, the interior cabin 300 may include more aisles than shown.

On either side of the aisle 313, PSUs 314 are secured between the wingtip walls 302 and the ceiling 304. The PSUs 314 extend longitudinally between the forward and aft ends of the interior cabin 300. For example, one PSU 314 may be positioned above a first group of seats 310 in one row 312, and another PSU 314 may be positioned on the other side of the aisle 313 above a second group of seats 310 in the same row 312. A third PSU 314 may be positioned above a third group of seats 310 in the next row 312 behind the first group of seats 310. Each PSU 314 may generally include a housing 316 containing air vents, reading lights, drop-down panels for emergency equipment (such as oxygen bags), crew call or request buttons, a display device 315, and/or other such controls dedicated to the passengers in the corresponding group of seats 310. Air vents and/or reading lights may be associated with different seats 310 within a seat group. For example, there may be three air vents corresponding to three seats, with each air vent exclusively associated with a different seat 310. The air vents associated with individual seats are referred to herein as personal air outlets (PAOs). The housing 316 has a panel 317 facing the seats 310 in the lower row 312. Buttons, PAOs, reading lights, etc. may be accessible and/or visible to passengers in one of the lower seats 310 through predetermined openings in the panel 317. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 315 is suspended and extends below the panel 317.

In at least one embodiment, the outflow vents 108 of the air curtain system 100 are connected to or are components of the PSU 314. For example, the outflow vent(s) 108 of the air curtain system 100 may be retrofittable to an existing PSU 314. Each of the outflow vents 108 may cover one or more PAO discharge openings in the PSU 314. The outflow vents 108 may receive air supplied through the one or more PAO discharge openings that they cover and form this air through nozzles to form the air curtain 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, each nozzle may include one or more openings (e.g., apertures, slotted holes, etc.) having a predetermined shape and/or arrangement to form the air curtain 110.

On either side of the aisle 313, overhead bin assemblies 318 are secured to the ceiling 304 and/or wingtip wall 302 above and on the inboard side of the PSU 314. The overhead bin assemblies 318 are secured above the seats 310. The overhead bin assemblies 318 extend between the forward and aft ends of the interior cabin 300. Each bin assemblies 318 may include a pivoting shelf or receptacle 320 pivotally secured to a strongback. The overhead bin assemblies 318 may be positioned on the inboard side above the underside of the PSU 314. The overhead bin assemblies 318 are configured to pivot open, for example, to accommodate a passenger's carry-on baggage or personal belongings.

As used herein, the term "outboard" refers to a location further from the central longitudinal plane 322 of the interior cabin 300 than another component. The term "inboard" refers to a location closer to the central longitudinal plane 322 of the interior cabin 300 than another component. For example, panel 317 of PSU 314 may be wingtip relative to an adjacent bin assembly 318.

6 illustrates a front view of a portion of an aircraft interior cabin 400, with an inset perspective view of a PSU 414 within the interior cabin 400, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 400 is an example of the interior cabin 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and may be similar to the interior cabin 300 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates a first group 402 of seats 404 in one row 406 on one side of the aisle. There are three seats 404 within the first group 402. The seats 404 in each row 406 are arranged along a row axis 407. The interior cabin 400 includes both a PSU 414 and an overhead bin assembly 408 above the first group 402 of seats 404. The PSU 414 is partially below the wingtip side of the overhead bin assembly 408.

The PSU 414 includes a housing or structure 416 that holds multiple components, including a PAO 418 and a reading light 420. The PSU 414 may include a PAO 418 and a reading light 420 corresponding to each seat 404 in the first group 402. The PAOs 418 and reading lights 420 are interleaved in a row 421. The housing 416 has or is coupled to at least one panel 417 that includes an underside facing the seats 404 below. The panel 417 is also referred to herein as a face panel 417. The PAOs 418 and reading lights 420 are accessible and visible through openings in the panel 417. The PSU 414 also includes a drop panel 422 for emergency equipment (such as oxygen bags) and one or more crew call or request buttons 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the PAO 418 of the PSU 414 is a gasper nozzle. A gasper nozzle is a manually actuable valve to control the amount of airflow emitted through the discharge opening of the PAO 418. The gasper nozzle may also be pivotable or rotatable to direct the airflow. Air emitted from a gasper nozzle generally occurs in a beam shape that may widen with increasing distance from the nozzle. In at least one embodiment, the outlet vent(s) 108 of the air curtain system 100 can replace or cover the gasper nozzle.

Figure 7 illustrates multiple outflow vents 502 of an air curtain system 100, according to one embodiment. Three outflow vents 502 are illustrated in Figure 7. The outflow vents 502 are an example of the outflow vents 108 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each outflow vent 502 includes a vent housing 504 that defines one or more discharge openings 505 (see Figure 9). Each vent housing 504 may be associated with a different nozzle 506 (e.g., a PAO). The vent housings 504 may be an integral component of the PSU 514. For example, the vent housings 504 may be part of or coupled to the PSU housing.

Each outlet vent 502 also includes a nozzle 506 that is coupled to the vent housing 504 and covers one or more of the discharge openings 505. The nozzles 506 differ from conventional PAOs (e.g., gasper nozzles). The nozzles 506 include a cover 508 that defines at least one opening 510 therethrough. In FIG. 7, the discharge openings 505 in the housing 504 are not visible because the nozzle 506 covers them. The at least one opening 510 has a predetermined shape that causes air passing through the cover 508 to form an air curtain (e.g., the air curtain 110 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

The nozzle 506 cover 508 further directs the air curtain to flow in a direction appropriate for one or more passengers seated in a group of seats below the nozzle 506. For example, the cover 508 may direct the air curtain in front of the upper body of a passenger seated below the nozzle 506 to capture and interfere with biological particles emitted by the passenger and/or from another source (before the passenger inhales or breathes them). In one embodiment, the nozzle 506 may direct the air curtain within the passenger's breathing zone. The passenger's breathing zone is relative to the location of the passenger's face. For example, the passenger's breathing zone may be defined as a 12-inch cube of space centered around the tip of the passenger's nose. Alternatively, the air curtain may be directed toward the seated passenger's head. In one embodiment, the air curtain's characteristics (e.g., size, shape, velocity, and flow rate) are controlled to maintain passenger comfort while ensuring the effectiveness of the air curtain. For example, the velocity of the air curtain at seated head height may not exceed 60 feet per minute above the passenger's head.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outflow vents 502 is associated with a different discharge opening 505 of the PSU 514. For example, the nozzles 506 may replace individual gaspar valves (e.g., the gaspar valves shown in FIG. 6). The vent housings 504 of the outflow vents 502 may be conical or concave relative to the passenger-facing surface panel 512 of the PSU 514, and the nozzles 506 are recessed relative to the surface panel 512.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of one of the outflow vents 502 shown in Figure 7, according to one embodiment. Figure 8 illustrates how the outflow vent 502 appears to passengers in the interior cabin. A nozzle 506 is mounted to a housing 504, which may be a plate or panel of a PSU. A cover 508 for the nozzle 506 defines an elongated opening 510 or slot configured to shape and discharge air emitted from the nozzle 506. The elongated opening 510 has a rectangular shape in Figure 8, but may have other elongated shapes in other embodiments. By forming the opening 510 to have an elongated shape, an air curtain is formed that has a wide width dimension but a relatively thin thickness dimension.

9 is an exploded view of the outflow vent 502 shown in FIG. 8. This exploded view illustrates the (first) discharge opening 505 of the housing 504. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge opening 505 is circular. The cover 506 of the nozzle 508 is circular and sized to match the diameter of the discharge opening 505. When assembled, the cover 508 may completely cover the discharge opening 505. Optionally, a gasket or other seal may be provided between the nozzle 506 and the edge of the housing 504 that defines the periphery of the discharge opening 505 to form a tight seal between the nozzle 506 and the housing 504. The tight seal between the nozzle 506 and the housing 504 ensures that the opening 510 is the only passageway for air through the discharge opening 505. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 508 includes alignment features 514 that complement corresponding alignment features 516 of the housing 504 along the periphery of the discharge opening 505. When the nozzle 506 is installed within the discharge opening 505, the nozzle 506 can only be coupled to the housing 504 in an orientation where the alignment features 514, 516 align and/or engage with one another. The alignment features 514, 516 ensure that the nozzle 506, when installed in the housing 504, has only one or two allowable orientations relative to the housing 504, thereby ensuring that the air curtain has a desired orientation relative to the seat.

In one embodiment, the discharge opening 505 in the housing 504 is a PAO. Before the nozzle 506 is installed, another nozzle (e.g., a gasper nozzle) may be removed from the PAO. The bleed vent 502 may be installed using existing hardware (e.g., the same housing 504 on the PSU previously used to mount the gasper nozzle).

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the outflow vent 502 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, showing the back side of the outflow vent 502, which is not visible to passengers in the interior cabin. FIG. 11 is an isometric perspective view of the nozzle 506 shown in FIGS. 8-10. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 506 includes a pneumatic flue 520 that defines an enclosed air passage 522 from its inlet 524 to the opening 510. The pneumatic flue 520 is a duct or conduit defined by a wall extending from the cover 508. The inlet 524 receives air supplied by the airflow generating device 106 shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the inlet 524 has a larger cross-sectional area than the elongated opening 510. This forces the air into a small space, increasing the air speed as it flows through the nozzle 506. When the nozzle 506 is attached to the housing 504, the elongated opening 510 and the inlet 524 of the pneumatic tube 520 may be located on opposite sides of the housing 504 (at the discharge opening 505). For example, the portion of the nozzle 506 defining the opening 510 may be located on the lower side of the housing 504 (on the passenger side of the housing 504), and the inlet 524 may be located on the upper side of the housing 504 (inside the PSU).

In one embodiment, the nozzle 506 includes at least one deflectable latch 526. The latch 526 is configured to hook onto an inner surface 528 of the housing 504 proximate the discharge opening 505. For example, when the nozzle 506 is installed within the discharge opening 505 of the housing 504, the latch 526 may deflect radially inward toward the center of the nozzle 506 (e.g., toward the opening 510). Immediately after the catch tab 530 of the latch 526 clears the discharge opening 505, the latch 526 resiliently moves radially outward until the catch tab 530 overlaps and secures the inner surface 528. The catch tab 530 mechanically abuts the inner surface 528, securing the nozzle 506 to the housing 504 so that it does not come loose from the discharge opening 505. As such, the nozzle 506 can be installed within the housing 504 without removing or otherwise interfering with the PSU housing 504, the ceiling, or the like.

12 is a perspective view of a portion of the effluent vent 502 shown in FIGS. 8-11 during a nozzle removal process according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of the effluent vent 502 during the nozzle removal process shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the effluent vent 502 during the nozzle removal process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 506 can be disconnected and extracted from the housing 504 without removing or otherwise disturbing the housing 504. For example, the cover 508 of the nozzle 506 defines at least one access opening 532 through the cover 508. Each of the access openings 532 is aligned with a corresponding deflectable latch 526. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 506 has two deflectable latches 526 and two access openings 532. Each of the access openings 532 is sized to allow a pusher tool 534 to pass through the access opening 532 and engage a corresponding deflectable latch 526 to release the deflectable latch 526 from the inner surface 528 of the housing 504. The pusher tool 534 is positioned within one of the access openings 532 in FIGS. 12-14.

14 , the deflectable latch 526 may have a flexible arm 536. The flexible arm 536 is secured to the nozzle 506 at only one end thereof such that the flexible arm 536 can be radially deflected and pivoted toward the center of the nozzle 506. The deflectable latch 526 may include a catch tab 530 and an actuator tab 538 attached to the flexible arm 536 and movable with the arm 536 relative to the cover 508. The actuator tab 538 may include an angled contact surface 540 configured to be pressed by a pusher tool 534 to pivot the flexible arm 536 and move the catch tab 530 radially inward, releasing the catch tab 530 from the inner surface 528 of the housing 504. For example, the angled contact surface 540 can redirect a vertically upward force applied by the pusher 534 into lateral and/or radial movement of the flexible arm 536 and catch tab 530. When the catch tab 530 is released, the nozzle 506 can be pulled downward and removed from the discharge opening 505 of the housing 504.

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle 602 of an outflow vent of an air curtain system according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the nozzle 602 shown in FIG. 15. The nozzle 602 is another example of a nozzle that can be coupled into a discharge opening (e.g., a PAO of a PSU) to provide an air curtain. For example, the nozzle 602 is a replacement for the nozzle 506 shown in FIGS. 8 through 14. The nozzle 602 is similar to the nozzle 506 except that the nozzle 602 does not include the pneumatic tube 520 shown and described in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11. The nozzle 602 has a cover 604 that defines an elongated opening 606. The cover 604 may be generally thin and flat. The elongated opening 606 may have a relatively shallow depth defined along the thickness of the cover 604. The elongated shape of the opening 606 forms the air curtain. The cover 604 may form a seal with the housing to ensure that all of the airflow through the discharge opening is discharged through the elongated opening. Other portions of the nozzle 602 may be the same as or similar to the nozzle 506.

17 is a bottom perspective view of a nozzle 702 of an outflow vent of an air curtain system according to another embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the nozzle 702 shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the nozzle 702 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The nozzle 702 is another example of a nozzle that can be coupled within a discharge opening (e.g., a PAO of a PSU) to provide an air curtain. For example, the nozzle 702 is a replacement for the nozzle 506 shown in FIGS. 8-14 and the nozzle 602 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The nozzle 702 is an assembly including an outer ring 704 and a cover 706. The outer ring 704 is coupled to a housing within a discharge opening (e.g., discharge opening 505 of housing 504 shown in FIGS. 8-14). The cover 706 is coupled to the outer ring 704 within a central opening 708 defined by the outer ring 704. The outer ring 704 is disposed between the housing and the cover 706. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 706 may not be in direct physical contact with the housing, but rather is indirectly coupled to the housing via the outer ring 704. The cover 706 defines an elongated opening 710 that forms an air curtain.

The outer ring 704 may have a flange 712 and a body 714 extending from the flange 712. A central opening 708 extends through both the flange 712 and the body 714. The body 714 may have threads 716 for threaded connection to a housing within the discharge opening. The thread groove and diameter may match conventional threads used in existing nozzles (e.g., gasper nozzles). Alternatively, the outer ring 704 may be connected to the housing via a discrete fastener or latch. The cover 706 may have at least one deflectable latch 718 configured to engage an inner surface 720 of the outer ring 704 proximate the central opening 708 of the outer ring 704 to secure the cover 706 to the outer ring 704. The illustrated embodiment includes two latches 718. Before or after the outer ring 704 is coupled to the housing, the cover 706 can be coupled to the outer ring 704 by inserting it, latch-bearing end first, through the central opening 708 from the bottom up. As the latch 718 moves along the inside of the flange 712 and body 718, it deflects radially inward toward the center of the cover 706. Once the latch 718 clears an inner surface 720 of the outer ring 704 (which may be a ridge along the body 714), it resiliently moves radially outward, physically engaging the inner surface 720 and securing the cover 706 to the outer ring 704. Optionally, both the periphery of the central opening 708 and the periphery of the cover 706 can be lined with a plurality of teeth 722, which allow for the orientation of the cover 706 relative to the outer ring 704 to be selected and maintained in the selected orientation.

As shown in FIG. 17, the surface of the cover 706 may be flush with the surface of the outer ring 704 when fully assembled. The cover 706 may be disconnected from the outer ring 704 by removing the entire nozzle 702 from the housing and then centering the latches 718 to release them from the inner surface 720.

Figures 20 through 27 illustrate variations of at least one opening defined in the cover of a nozzle of one of the outlet vents of an air curtain system according to various embodiments. Each of the variations described in connection with Figures 20 through 27 may be used in place of the rectangular elongated openings 510, 606, and 710 described above. For example, nozzle 506, nozzle 602, and nozzle 702 may define one of the predetermined shapes described in Figures 20 through 27.

Figure 20 is a plan view of a nozzle cover 802 according to one embodiment. This plan view shows how the cover 802 appears to a passenger below the outlet vent. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 802 taken along line A-A in Figure 20. The cover 802 includes an elongated opening 804. Line A-A is parallel to the elongated axis of the opening 804 and bisects the opening 804. The opening 804 is narrower along a central region 806 of the elongated opening 804 than along two end regions 808 of the elongated opening (the end regions 808 are wider than the central region 806). The shape of the opening 804 allows more air to be forced out along the end regions 808 than through the central region 806. Furthermore, the flared opening 804, as shown in Figure 21, allows the airflow to expand beyond the width of the opening 804 as it exits the cover 802.

Figure 22 is a plan view of a nozzle cover 812 according to one embodiment. This plan view shows how the cover 812 appears to a passenger below the outlet vent. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 812 taken along line B-B in Figure 22. The cover 812 includes an elongated opening 814. Line B-B bisects the opening 814 and is oriented perpendicular to the elongated axis of the opening 814. The elongated opening 814 has an oval, elliptical, or rounded rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one opening also includes at least two side ports 816 on either side of the elongated opening 814. The side ports 816 are oriented to direct air toward the air being released from the elongated opening 814 to limit the expansion of the air curtain along the thickness dimension. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the top side 818 (or bottom) of the cover 812 is concave so that the side ports 816 extend forward of the openings 814. While most of the air may flow through the openings 814, air from the side ports 816 is used to further shape the air curtain to provide a flat, low-profile air curtain and limit the spread of air in the thickness dimension of the air curtain.

Figure 24 is a plan view of a nozzle cover 822 according to one embodiment. This plan view shows how the cover 822 appears to a passenger below the outlet vent. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 822 taken along line C-C in Figure 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined shape of at least one opening in the cover 822 includes a plurality of openings 824 arranged in a row 826. Line C-C is coaxial with the row 826. Each opening 824 is fluidly connected to a corresponding different channel 828 extending through the cover 822. As shown in Figure 25, the cover 822 is thicker than in other embodiments and has a convex upper side 830. The channels 828 extend through the cover 822 without intersecting. Because the channels 828 diverge from one another, the openings 824 are further apart from one another than the channels 828 near the rear 831 (or inner end) of the cover 822. The channels 828 flare outward along the rows 826 to provide a wider air curtain without increasing the thickness or bulk of the air curtain.

26 is a plan view of a nozzle cover 832 according to one embodiment. This plan view shows how the cover 832 appears to a passenger below the outlet vent. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 832 taken along line D-D in FIG. 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined shape of at least one opening in the cover 832 includes a plurality of openings 834 arranged in a row 836. Line D-D is coaxial with the row 836. In the illustrated embodiment, each opening 834 is fluidly connected to a corresponding, distinct channel 838 through the cover 832. The cover 832 is thicker than some other embodiments and has a convex front side 840. Unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25, the channels 838 extend across each other within the cover 832. Optionally, the channels 838 are not fluidly connected to each other. For example, the channels 838 may be thinned and/or have abrupt changes in direction to bypass each other. The channels 838 may be relatively linear. The channels 838 have various orientations to provide a predetermined airflow spread, providing a wide air curtain without increasing the thickness or bulk of the air curtain.

Figure 28 is a plan view of an outflow vent 902 of an air curtain system according to another embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the outflow vent 902 includes a cap 904. The cap 904 is not disposed within a single vent discharge opening 906. Rather, the cap 904 extends across and covers multiple discharge openings 906 (e.g., multiple PAOs). In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 904 is attached to a panel 908 (e.g., a face panel) of a PSU 909. The PSU 909 also includes, for example, a reading light 910. The cap 904 extends across and collectively covers three discharge openings 906 of the PSU 909. The discharge openings 906 are shown in phantom because they are behind the cap 904.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 904 defines a single elongated slot 912. The cap 904 may collect air discharged from each of the discharge openings 906 within a cavity defined between the panel 908 and the cap 904 and discharge the combined air through the elongated slot 912 to provide the air curtain 110 (see FIG. 2). The cap 904 may be oriented relative to the seats within the interior cabin such that the elongated slot 912 is generally parallel to the row axis (e.g., row axis 407 in FIG. 6) of the row of seats below the cap 904. The elongated slot 912 shapes the air into a wide curtain or wall of air that may extend forward of the seats in the lower row to protect passengers occupying those seats.

In one embodiment, the cap 904 may receive air from another source in addition to or instead of the discharge openings 906. For example, the cap 904 may receive air from a main cabin air intake nozzle 914. The main cabin air intake nozzle 914 may direct air into the cabin from the airflow generating device 106. For example, the main cabin air intake nozzle 914 may supply more air (e.g., a higher airflow rate) into the cabin than multiple discharge openings 906 (even combined). The main cabin air intake nozzle 914 may be located on the cabin wingtip wall 302 (see FIG. 5 ) or proximate the wingtip wall 302, along the wingtip side 916 of the PSU. In one embodiment, the cap 904 receives only a portion of the total air discharged by the main cabin air intake nozzle 914. The main cabin air supply nozzle 914 may extend longitudinally beyond the edge of the cap 904 to directly discharge air into the cabin at locations forward of the cap 904 and aft of the cap 904. Air from the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 entering the cap 904 merges with air from the discharge opening 906 and is discharged through the slotted holes 912. Combining the air from the discharge opening 906 with the air from the nozzle 914 may increase the flow rate and volume of air flowing through the slotted holes 912. This may enable the air curtain to capture and entrap more airborne biological particulate matter than an air curtain with a lower airflow volume and flow rate. In an alternative embodiment, instead of receiving air from both the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 and the discharge opening 906, the cap 904 may only receive air from the nozzle 914. For example, the cap 904 may be spaced apart from the discharge opening 906 so as not to cover the opening 906.

In one or more embodiments, the cap 904 can be retrofitted to be added to an existing panel within the interior cabin of a vehicle. For example, the cap 904 can be designed to be secured to a panel 908 of a PSU 909 within an aircraft cabin without requiring design changes and/or disassembly of the PSU 909. The cap 904 can be attached to the panel 908 via one or more hook and/or latch features, adhesives, fasteners (e.g., clamps, screws, bolts, etc.), etc. In an alternative embodiment, the air curtain system 100 can be integrated into an overhead panel (e.g., panel 908 of a PSU 909) within the interior cabin of a vehicle. For example, the PSU 909 can be redesigned to include one or more elongated slotted holes similar to the slotted holes 912 that extend through the cap 904. One or more elongated slots extending through the panel 908 may optionally replace or be included in addition to the discrete discharge openings 906 of the PSU 909. For example, the panel 908 may define one or more elongated slots at spaced locations forward of the discharge openings 906. A passenger may operate a gasper nozzle within the discharge opening 906 to provide a comfortable, personalized airflow, and the panel 908 may provide an air curtain 110 (see FIG. 2 ) at a location forward of the passenger's upper body or entire body. The air curtain may be provided in front of the passenger to avoid discomfort caused by the air curtain continuously blowing against the passenger during flight.

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle's PSU 909 and air intake conduit 918 without an outlet vent 902, according to one embodiment. For example, Figure 29 may show the PSU 909 before the cap 904 shown in Figure 28 is retrofitted to define the outlet vent 902. The PSU 909 includes three gasper nozzles 920 (coupled into three corresponding discharge openings 906). A portion of the air from the air intake conduit 918 is channeled into a PSU plenum 922. In the PSU plenum 922, this air is distributed among the multiple discharge openings 906 and the gasper nozzles 920. The remainder of the air from the air intake conduit 918 is discharged into the cabin through a main cabin air intake nozzle 914.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle's PSU 909 and air intake conduit 918 illustrating the installation of an outflow vent 902, according to one embodiment. First, the gasper nozzle 920 (see FIG. 29 ) is removed from the discharge opening 906 (e.g., a PAO). Next, a cap 904 is attached to the housing or structure 911 of the PSU 909. The cap 904 includes a base wall 930 and a member 932 extending from an inner surface 934 of the base wall 930. The cap 904 is attached to the PSU 909 in a bottom-to-top direction 935, with the member 932 received within the discharge opening 906. One or more of the members 932 may engage one or more surfaces of the vent housing that define the discharge opening 906 to align and/or secure the cap 904 to the PSU 909, for example, via an interference fit or latching connection.

31 is a cross-sectional view of an outflow vent 902 installed on a PSU 909, according to one embodiment. The base wall 930, when coupled to a panel 908 of the PSU 909, is spaced from the panel 908 to define a cavity 936 between the panel 908 and the base wall 930. Air discharged through the discharge opening 906 merges with air received from the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 within the cavity 936. Air from the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 is received through the inflow opening 940 at the aerofoil end 942 of the cap 904. Optionally, a connecting element may be provided to cover and enclose the gap between the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 and the aerofoil end 942 of the cap 904. This connecting element may direct substantially all of the airflow discharged along the portion of the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 aligned with the cap 904 into the cap 904. The combined air is expelled through elongated slotted holes 912 (see FIG. 28) to form an air curtain. The cross section shown in FIG. 31 is approximately parallel to and offset from the slotted holes 912, so the slotted holes 912 are not visible. Arrows 938 represent the air curtain exiting the cap 904. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 904 represents the nozzle of the outflow vent 902. In an alternative embodiment, the cap 904 can be installed with a gasper nozzle within the discharge opening 906.

32 is a cross-sectional view of the outflow vent 902 taken along line E-E in FIG. 28. This cross-section shows a side view of the outflow vent 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 904 is designed to position the air curtain 948 in front of the passengers 952 seated in the group and/or row of seats 950 below the PSU 909. For example, the elongated slot 912 may be offset from the discharge opening 906 to move the air curtain 948 forward of the discharge opening 906 and ensure that the air curtain 948 is in front of the passengers 952. The elongated slot 912 is positioned forward of the discharge opening 906 relative to the direction in which the seat 950 faces (e.g., relative to the orientation of the vehicle). As a result, even if the passenger 952 leans forward, the air curtain 948 remains in front of the upper body of the passenger 952. This avoids passenger discomfort caused by continuous airflow hitting one part of the body. The air curtain 948 can capture biological particulate matter emitted by the passenger 952 and divert it downward, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 32, away from the breathing zone. The air curtain 948 further protects the passenger 952 by diverting external biological particulate matter before it can enter the breathing zone of the passenger 952. The air curtain can divert the biological particulate matter to contact surfaces (e.g., floors, seats, return vents, and/or the like).

In one embodiment, the cap 904 can be designed to select the location and orientation of the air curtain 948 relative to the seat and passenger. For example, if the seat in the second vehicle is positioned rearward of the discharge opening, farther away than the distance between the seat 950 and the discharge opening 906 in the vehicle shown in FIG. 32, the cap can be designed and/or fitted so that the elongated slots are either aligned with or rearward of the discharge opening (instead of in front of the discharge opening 906 as shown in FIG. 32). The cap 904 and slots 912 can be designed to position the air curtain 948 approximately 6 to 18 inches (e.g., 12 inches) forward of the back of the seat 950. The air curtain 948 is shown vertically oriented in FIG. 32, extending straight down from the cap 904. Optionally, the cap 904 may move the air curtain 948 along an angle tilted forward or backward from the orientation shown to accommodate variations in the position of the air curtain 948 relative to the seated passenger 952. The air curtain 948 may be moved using vanes within the cap 904 and/or by tilting the portion of the cap 904 that defines the slotted hole 912.

Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of an outflow vent 902 on a PSU 909, according to one embodiment. The housing 911 of the PSU 909 is configured to pivot downward for maintenance purposes. In one embodiment, the cap 904 is designed not to interfere with the pivoting movement of the housing 911, so that the cap 904 can remain installed on the housing 911 even when maintenance is performed on the PSU 909. For example, a gap between the tip end 942 of the cap 904 and the main cabin air intake nozzle 914 provides sufficient clearance to allow pivoting of the housing 911 with the cap 904 installed. Alternatively, there may be a separate, removable connecting element between the main cabin air intake nozzle 914 and the tip end 942 of the cap 904, which can be removed prior to decoupling the cap 904. The connecting element may provide a wall that channels substantially all of the air emitted from the main cabin air intake nozzle 914 into the cap 904 at the location of the connecting element. In another embodiment, the connection element between the cap 904 and the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 may remain in place, and only the cap 904 is removed for maintenance.

34 is a perspective view of an air curtain system 100 according to another embodiment. The air curtain 100 includes one or more outflow vents 1002 coupled to a rail 1004. Two outflow vents 1002 are shown in FIG. 34. The outflow vents 1002 are coupled to the rail 1004 at separate locations along the length of the rail 1004 so that they are spaced apart from one another. The outflow vents 1002 may be copies or replicas of one another. Any reference herein to a single outflow vent 1002 may refer to either or both of the outflow vents 1002 shown in FIG. 34. The outflow vents 1002 may be similar to the outflow vents 902 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31. For example, each outflow vent 1002 has a corresponding cap 1006 that is removably attached to a panel above a row of seats. For example, the cap 1006 can be retrofitted to fit onto an existing panel not specifically designed for attachment to the cap 1006. This existing panel can be a face panel of a PSU. The cap 1006 receives airflow and emits it in a downward direction to form an air curtain associated with the row of seats below the outflow vent 1002. Optionally, the air curtain system 100 can include more than the two outflow vents 1002 shown in FIG. 34 . Alternatively, the system 100 can have only one outflow vent 1002 coupled to the rail 1004.

The rail 1004 is an elongated chute, conduit, or duct that extends along the length of the interior cabin. The rail 1004 defines a channel 1008 along the length of the rail 1004. The channel 1008 receives and contains the airflow (e.g., airflow) provided by the airflow generating device 106 (see FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 1004 is open along an upper end 1010 of the rail 1004. The rail 1004 may be mounted at its upper end 1010 to a wall, panel, or ceiling within the interior cabin. When mounted, the surface of the wall, panel, or ceiling may close the top of the channel 1008, preventing or at least restricting air from exiting the channel 1008 along the upper end 1010 of the rail 1004. In at least one embodiment, the air curtain system 100 is retrofittable, and the rail 1004 may be specifically designed to align with the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 (see FIGS. 29 and 31). The airflow emitted from the main cabin air supply nozzle 914 may pass through an open upper end 1010 of the rail 1004 and enter a channel 1008 in the rail 1004. The airflow within the channel 1008 may flow longitudinally, with a portion of the airflow exiting the channel 1008 at the outlet vent 1002 and being emitted as an air curtain.

The cap 1006 of each outlet vent 1002 has a first end 1012 and a second end 1014 opposite the first end 1012. The cap 1006 is elongated from the first end 1012 to the second end 1014. The first end 1012 is coupled to the rail 1004. In one embodiment, the first end 1012 physically contacts the rail 1004 and is connected to the rail via one or more fasteners, latches, tabs, or the like. Optionally, a discrete mounting member and/or vibration absorbing member may be disposed at the interface between the rail 1004 and the first end 1012 of the cap 1006. The cap 1006 has a three-dimensional shape (e.g., extends in three dimensions), and the first end 1012 of the cap 1006 defines an inlet opening 1016. The inlet opening 1016 is fluidly connected to the channel 1008 in the rail 1004. When the cap 1006 is coupled to the rail 1004, airflow within the channel 1008 can exit the rail 1004 and enter the cap 1006 through the inlet opening 1016.

In one or more embodiments, the outflow vent 1002 also includes a mounting unit 1018 on the cap 1006. The mounting unit 1018 facilitates attaching (and detaching) the cap 1006 to a panel above a row of seats. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting unit 1018 includes at least one frame 1022 sized, shaped, and positioned to align with a discharge opening. The discharge opening may be a PAO. The frame 1022 may engage with a vent housing or socket (e.g., vent housing 504 in FIG. 7) that defines the discharge opening (e.g., discharge opening 505 in FIG. 7) to ensure that the cap 1006 is properly positioned relative to the panel and discharge opening. The frame 1022 may further be secured to the vent housing via a deflectable latch or an interference fit to attach the cap 1006 to the panel. As discussed above in connection with Figures 29 and 30, it may be necessary for the gasper nozzle to be removed from the corresponding discharge opening before one or more frames 1022 of the mounting unit 1018 can be properly inserted into the discharge opening and interact with the vent housing.

The air curtain system 100 shown in FIG. 34 is designed to be installed in an enclosed room or cabin (e.g., the interior cabin of a vehicle). Once installed, the air curtain system 100 shown in FIG. 34 resembles the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. For example, multiple outflow vents 1002 are associated with different rows of seats. Each outflow vent 1002 forms an air curtain that discharges in a downward direction toward the floor 122. The outflow vents 1002 are positioned and oriented relative to the rows of seats such that each air curtain is provided between two rows of seats to effectively protect passengers occupying those seats from the transmission of airborne pathogens. For example, a first outflow vent 1002 may form an air curtain associated with a first row, and a second outflow vent 1002 may form an air curtain associated with a second row located behind the first row (relative to the front of the interior cabin and/or the front of the vehicle). The outflow vent 1002 may be mounted on a panel of the PSU located above the passenger seats, similar to the outflow vent 902 in FIG. 28.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of an outflow vent 1002 mounted to a panel 1020, according to one embodiment. This view shows the appearance of the outflow vent 1002 to people in the interior cabin looking up at the outflow vent 1002 from a position below. A cap 1006 is mounted to the panel 1020. In one embodiment, the panel 1020 is part of a PSU (e.g., a face panel of the PSU). In an alternative embodiment, the panel 1020 may be a component of an overhead bin assembly, a ceiling panel, or the like.

The cap 1006 may be curved to accommodate the curvature of the panel 1020. The second end 1014 of the cap 1006 may have a hook 1024. The hook 1024 hooks onto an edge 1026 of the panel 1020 to help position the cap 1006 relative to the panel 1020 and attach the cap 1006 to the panel 1020. For example, the process of attaching the cap 1006 may include connecting the first end 1012 of the cap 1006 to the rail 1004 and then pushing up the second end 1014. The cap 1006 may partially deform to allow the hook 1024 to move past the edge 1026, at which point the cap 1006 elastically recovers and the hook 1024 hooks onto the edge 1026.

The cap 1006 has a base wall 1028 extending from the first end 1012 to the second end 1014. The base wall 1028 has an exterior surface 1030 that is visible to passengers. The base wall 1028 defines at least one slotted hole 1032 extending through its thickness. The at least one slotted hole 1032 directs airflow from the cap 1006 to provide an air curtain. The at least one slotted hole 1032 is sized, shaped, and positioned to form an air curtain having a predetermined size, shape, location, and other characteristics. Such other characteristics may include a constancy or uniformity in the flow rate or volume of air at various locations on the air curtain. For example, the slotted hole 1032 may be designed and positioned to avoid gaps or breaches in the air curtain, which may allow airborne pathogens to pass through the air curtain.

Figure 36 is a plan view of the outflow vent 1002 mounted on the panel 1020 shown in Figure 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the base wall 1028 of the cap 1006 defines three slotted holes 1032A, 1032B, and 1032C. The slotted holes 1032A-C may be parallel to one another. For example, each of the slotted holes 1032A-C may be elongated in the same direction as the cap 1006. The cap 1006 has a longer length along the lateral axis 132 (see Figure 2) than along the other vertical axes 128, 130. The slotted holes 1032A-C are grouped proximate the forward end 1034 of the cap 1006 (the end closest to the front of the interior cabin and/or the front of the vehicle). The slots 1032A-C may be positioned proximate the forward end 1034 to provide an air curtain in front of the seats in the associated row below, away from the bodies of passengers seated in that row.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first slot hole 1032A is longer than the second and third slot holes 1032B, 1032C. The first slot hole 1032A may also be at least slightly wider than the slot holes 1032B, 1032C. The second slot hole 1032B is located proximal to the second end 1014 of the cap 1006. The third slot hole 1032C is located proximal to the first end 1012 of the cap 1006. The number, size, and placement of the slot holes 1032 in FIG. 36 represent a non-limiting example. Optionally, the cap 106 may define only one slot hole 1032, only two slot holes 1032, or at least four slot holes 1032.

Figure 36 shows a rail 1004 adjacent to a cap 1006. Airflow (indicated by arrows 1036) is carried by the rail 1004 and enters the cap 1006 through the inlet opening 1016. The airflow within the cap 1006 is released through slot holes 1032A-C defined through the base wall 1028 to form an air curtain. The slot holes 1032A-C may define an air curtain axis 1039, and each of the slot holes 1032 may be parallel to or coaxial with the air curtain axis 1039. The air curtain axis 1039 may be generally parallel to the column axis of the seat row (e.g., column axis 407 in Figure 6).

In one embodiment, the rail 1004 is positioned on or proximal to the wingtip wall 1038 of the interior cabin. A first end 1012 of the cap 1006 that connects to the rail 1004 is the wingtip end and a second end 1014 is the inboard end. The second end 1014 may be the portion of the outflow vent 1002 closest to the interior cabin passageway.

35 and 36, the cap 1006 optionally has an L-shape. This L-shape may ensure that a sufficient amount of air is received within the cap 1006 to provide the desired air curtain, as the legs of the "L" define the inlet opening 1016. The cutout area of the "L" may be provided to reduce the connection area of the cap 1006 and provide space for other components (e.g., a reading light, a call button, a display device, a display device stand, a drop panel for emergency equipment, and/or the like). The cap 1006 may have a relatively thin profile to allow the retrofitted cap 1006 to blend substantially into the existing structure within the interior cabin. For example, the cap 1006 may be tapered toward the edges to provide a smooth transition at the joining boundary between the cap 1006 and the panel 1020.

Figure 37 is a perspective view of the cap 1006 of the outflow vent 1002 shown in Figures 34-36. The cap 1006 has a three-dimensional shape. In addition to the base wall 1028, the cap 1006 includes at least a first side wall 1040 at the front end 1034 of the cap 1006 and a second side wall 1042 at the rear end 1044. The cap 1006 defines a cavity 1046 that receives airflow. When attached to the panel 1020 (see Figure 35), the cavity 1046 extends between the two side walls 1040 and 1042, between the base wall 1028 and the panel 1020. Airflow enters the cavity 1046 through the inlet opening 1016 and exits the cavity 1046 through at least one slot hole 1032.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 1006 has a compressible seal 1050 along an upper edge 1052 of the cap 1006. The upper edge 1052 interfaces with the panel 1020 when the cap 1006 is attached to the panel 1020. The compressible seal 1050 may be a foam material, a rubber material, or the like. When the cap 1006 is attached to the panel 1020, the compressible seal 1050 may be at least partially compressed at the bonded interface between the cap 1006 and the panel 1020 to seal the bonded interface. For example, the compressible seal 1050 may prevent air from entering the cavity 1046 through a leakage path at the bonded interface.

The outflow vent 1002 may include at least one vane 1054 for redirecting the airflow entering the cavity 1046. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple vanes 1054 are attached to an inner surface 1048 of the cap 1006. The inner surface 1048 may be a surface of the base wall 1028, the first sidewall 1040, or the second sidewall 1042. The vanes 1054 are angled relative to the inner surface 1048 to direct the airflow received through the inlet opening 1016 toward the at least one slot hole 1032. The number, location, and angular orientation of the vanes 1054 may be selected based on the predetermined characteristics of the air curtain and the characteristics of the airflow to be received within the cap 1006.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the mounting unit 1018 of the effluent vent 1002, according to one embodiment. The mounting unit 1018 of FIG. 38 is a separate component from the cap 1006. The mounting unit 1018 is removably attachable to the cap 1006. For example, the mounting unit 1018 may be detached from the cap 1006 for more compact inventory and/or shipping. Optionally, forming the mounting unit 1018 separately from the cap 1006 may allow for reduced manufacturing complexity compared to integrally forming the cap 1006 and mounting unit 1018 as a unified monolithic body.

The mounting unit 1018 is configured to couple to the cap 1006 at least partially within the cavity 1046. The mounting unit 1018 includes at least one frame 1022. In FIG. 38 , the mounting unit 1018 has two frames 1022 connected to each other via a connecting rod 1060. Each of the frames 1022 is sized to be received within a discharge opening (such as a PAO). For example, the frame 1022 may have a generally conical shape corresponding to the shape of the discharge opening. Optionally, the frame 1022 may be generally cylindrical. In other embodiments, the mounting unit 1018 may have only one frame 1022 or at least three frames 1022.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting unit 1018 includes a plurality of coupling latches 1062 for releasably coupling to the cap 1006. The coupling latches 1062 are disposed at a first end 1063 of the mounting unit 1018. The first end 1064 may be referred to as the proximal end because it is the end closest to the surface of the cap 1006. The coupling latches 1062 may be resiliently deflectable tabs. Referring again to FIG. 37 , the cap 1006 may include latch features 1064 that complement the coupling latches 1062 of the mounting unit 1018. The latch features 1064 may be catches or deflectable latches that interact with the coupling latches 1062 to releasably secure the mounting unit 1018 to the cap 1006.

Each of the frames 1022 of the mounting unit 1018 includes at least one deflectable mounting latch 1066 at or proximal to the second end 1067 of the mounting unit 1018. The second end 1067 is opposite the first end 1063 and may be referred to as the distal end because it is the end furthest from the cap 1006 when attached to the cap 1006. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the frames 1022 includes a single mounting latch 1066, which has a curved shape and is configured to deflect radially. The mounting latch 1066 is designed to hook onto the edge of the vent housing that defines the discharge opening, thereby securing the cap 1006 to the panel 1020.

Figure 39 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting unit 1018 adapted to couple to the cap 1006, according to one embodiment. The mounting unit 1018 optionally includes three coupling latches 1062A, 1062B, 1062C that couple to three corresponding latch features 1064A, 1064B, 1064C, respectively, on the cap 1006 to releasably secure the mounting unit 1018 to the cap 1006. In the illustrated embodiment, the first latch feature 1064A on the cap 1006 extends from one of the vanes 1054.

Figure 40 is an exploded view showing a portion of the mounting unit 1018 adapted to couple to the cap 1006. The depicted portion depicts the first latch feature 1064A of the vane 1054 and the first coupling latch 1062A that engages with the first latch feature 1064A. In one embodiment, the vane 1054 having the first latch feature 1064A defines an alignment slot 1068. The mounting unit 1018 includes a guide pin 1069 having a flange 1071. The guide pin 1069 is proximal to the first coupling latch 1062A and extends from the frame 1022 in generally the same direction as the first coupling latch 1062A. During the coupling process, as the mounting unit 1018 and cap 1006 move toward each other, the flange 1071 of the guide pin 1069 is received in the alignment slot 1068 of the vane 1054, aligning the two components.

Figure 41 is an exploded perspective view of the air curtain system 100, showing one of the caps 1006 of the effluent vent 1002 adapted to be coupled to a section of the rail 1004. The mounting unit 1018 is not shown in Figure 41, but in practice the mounting unit 1018 may be attached to the cap 1006 before the cap 1006 is coupled to the rail 1004. The rail 1004 may define a port 1070 along a sidewall 1072 of the rail 1004. The port 1070 has a size corresponding to the first end 1012 of the cap 1006. The rail 1004 may have multiple ports 1070 spaced along its length to accommodate multiple effluent vents 1002, as shown in Figure 34.

In one embodiment, when the cap 1006 is coupled to the rail 1004, the first end 1012 is partially inserted into the port 1070, or the flange 1074 of the port 1070 is partially inserted into the inlet opening 1016. Optionally, a deflectable latch, fastener, or adhesive may be used to secure the flange 1074 of the port 1070 to the first end 1012 of the cap 1006. When coupled, at least a portion of the airflow within the channel 1008 of the rail 1004 is permitted to exit the channel 1008 through the port 1070 and enter the cavity 1046 of the cap 1006 to form an air curtain. Optionally, the rail 1004 may include an air directing feature (such as a vane) within the channel 1008. The air directing feature redirects the airflow toward the port 1070.

Figure 42 is a perspective view of a portion of the effluent vent 1002 during a nozzle removal process according to one embodiment. The cap 1006 may include a plurality of access openings 1080 through the base wall 1028 at locations corresponding to the engaged interlocking latches 1062 and latch features 1064 (see Figure 39). The access openings 1080 allow for the insertion of a push tool 1082. The ends of the push tool 1082 may apply force to the interlocking latches 1062 and/or latch features 1064, deflecting them and eliminating contact with each other, allowing for removal of the cap 1006 from the mounting unit 1018.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a mounting unit 1018 mounted to a vent housing 1084 (e.g., a socket) connected to a panel 1020, according to one embodiment. The mounting latches 1066 engage an edge (not shown) of the vent housing 1084 to secure the mounting unit 1018 to the panel 1020. In one embodiment, the mounting unit 1018 includes a release channel 1086 connected to each of the mounting latches 1066. The release channel 1086 is disposed along an inner surface 1088 of each of the mounting latches 1066. The release channel 1086 is accessible by inserting a push tool (e.g., tool 1082 in FIG. 42 ) through a central cavity 1090 of the frame 1022. When inserted into the release channel 1086, the end of the push tool can deflect the mounting latches 1066 radially inward toward the center of the central cavity 1090. This disconnects the attachment latch 1066 from the edge of the vent housing 1084. Once the attachment latch 1066 is disconnected, the mounting unit 1018 can be extracted from the vent housing 1084 and removed from the panel 1020.

Figure 44 is a perspective view of an outflow vent 1102 according to another embodiment. Figure 45 is a plan view showing the interior of the outflow vent 1102 of Figure 44. Figure 46 is a plan view showing the exterior of the outflow vent 1102 of Figure 44. The outflow vent 1102 can be substantially similar to the outflow vent 1002 shown in Figures 34-43. The outflow vent 1102 has a mounting unit 1104 that is different from the mounting unit 1018 of the outflow vent 1002. The outflow vent 1102 represents a one-piece embodiment in which the mounting unit 1104 is integrally connected to a cap 1106 of the outflow vent 1102 to define a unified monolithic body. For example, the mounting unit 1104 can be attached to the inner surface 1108 of the cap 1106 with a seamless bonded interface via welding, casting, molding, additive manufacturing, etc. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting unit 1104 optionally includes only one frame 1110. The frame 1110 includes at least one deflectable mounting latch 1112 for releasably securing the outflow vent 1102 to the vent housing.

Figure 47 is an elevational view of a first side of the outflow vent 1102 of Figure 44. Figure 48 is an elevational view of a second side of the outflow vent 1102 of Figure 44. The side shown in Figure 48 is opposite the side shown in Figure 47. Figure 49 is an elevational view of a first end of the outflow vent 1102 of Figure 44. Figure 50 is an elevational view of a second end of the outflow vent 1102 of Figure 44. The end shown in Figure 49 is opposite the end shown in Figure 50.

FIG. 51 is an elevational view of a first side of an overflow vent 1102 similar to that shown in FIG. 47, but mounted to a panel 1020, according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a cap 1106 covers multiple release openings or PAOs, each defined by a corresponding vent housing 1116. The vent housing 1116 is directly or indirectly coupled to the panel 1020. The mounting unit 1104 of the overflow vent 1102 aligns with one of the vent housings 1116A and enters one of the vent housings 1116A when the cap 1106 is pushed up from below to engage the panel 1020. Eventually, at least one deflectable mounting latch 1112 of the mounting unit 1104 extends over and hooks onto an edge 1120 or edge of the vent housing 1116A. When the cap 1106 is secured in place via the mounting unit 1104, the hook 1124, and/or the connection with the rail 1004, it may form a seal with the panel 1020 at the joint interface 1126.

In the illustrated embodiment, air may be directed through a discharge opening in the vent housing 1116 and into the cavity 1146 of the cap 1106. The air received from the vent housing 1116 may merge with the airflow received from the rail 1004. An air curtain may be formed from the merged airflows that is discharged through at least one slotted hole 1132 in the outlet vent 1102.

FIG. 52 is a flow diagram 1200 of a method for providing an air curtain according to one embodiment. The method may be a retrofit process. The method may include more steps, fewer steps, and/or different steps than those shown in flow diagram 1200. The method includes, at 1202, removing a nozzle from a discharge opening in the interior cabin of the vehicle. The discharge opening may be located above a row of seats. The nozzle may be a gasper (e.g., a PAO).

At 1204, an outlet vent cap is attached to a panel of the interior cabin to cover the discharge openings. The cap is attached after removing the nozzle from the discharge opening. The cap may be positioned to overlap the panel and cover at least two of the discharge openings. The cap includes a base wall defining at least one slotted hole therethrough.

At 1206, an airflow is emitted through at least one slot in the cap to form an air curtain. The airflow used to form the air curtain may be air received into the cavity through the inlet opening and/or air received from the outlet opening. For example, airflow received from the rail through the inlet opening may merge with airflow received from the outlet opening within the cavity before being emitted as an air curtain through the at least one slot.

An air curtain may be associated with a row of seats to provide passengers seated in that row with a continuous sheet of air that interferes with the transmission of airborne pathogens. Optionally, a cap may be formed and/or attached to the panel to provide the air curtain at a location forward of the heads of passengers seated in the row of seats. For example, at least one slot hole in the cap may be positioned forward of the row of seats along the longitudinal axis of the interior cabin. By providing the air curtain in front of the passengers' heads, the air curtain may not interfere with or distract the passengers. Optionally, the at least one slot hole defines an air curtain axis that is generally parallel to the row axis of the row of seats.

The cap may have a three-dimensional shape that defines a cavity between the panel and a base wall of the cap. The cap may be elongated from a first end of the cap to a second end of the cap opposite the first end. The first end of the cap may define an inlet opening for receiving the airflow generated by the airflow generating device into the cavity. Attaching the cap to the panel may include attaching the first end of the cap to a rail. The rail defines a channel that carries the airflow generated by the airflow generating device along the length of the interior cabin. The first end of the cap is attached to the rail to establish a fluid connection between the channel and the cavity of the cap through the inlet opening.

Attaching the cap to the panel may include hooking a hook on the second end of the cap onto an edge of the panel. This attachment may include inserting a mounting unit of the cap into one of the discharge openings. The mounting unit is attached to an inner surface of the cap. The mounting unit may be releasably coupled to the cap via one or more flexible coupling latches, fasteners, or the like. Thus, the method may include coupling the mounting unit to the cap. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting unit is integrally connected to the cap such that the cap and mounting unit define a unified monolithic body. The mounting unit includes a frame and a flexible mounting latch on the frame. The frame extends into the discharge opening defined by the vent housing, and the flexible mounting latch engages the vent housing to secure the cap to the panel.

As described herein, the air curtain systems and methods are configured to provide an air curtain that inhibits the spread of pathogens between people in an enclosed room or cabin (e.g., the interior cabin of an aircraft or other type of passenger vehicle) during travel.

Clause 1. A system (100) comprising an effusion vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably mounted to a panel (1020) within an interior cabin (102) of a vehicle (104), the cap (1006) being elongated from a first end (1012) of the cap (1006) to a second end (1014) of the cap (1006) opposite the first end (1012), the cap (1006) being elongated from the panel (1020). the cap (1006) has a base wall (1028) disposed over the cap (1020), the base wall (1028) defining at least one slot hole (1032) extending therethrough, the cap (1006) receiving the airflow generated by the airflow generating device (106), the at least one slot hole (1032) discharging the airflow from the cap (1006) to form an air curtain (110) within the interior cabin (102);
System (100).

Clause 2. The system (100) of Clause 1, wherein the cap (1006) has a three-dimensional shape and defines a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), and the first end (1012) of the cap (1006) defines an inlet opening (1016) for receiving airflow into the cavity (1046) before it exits the cap (1006) through at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110).

Clause 3. The system (100) of Clause 2 further comprises a rail (1004) defining a channel (1008), the rail (1004) being coupled to a first end (1012) of the cap (1006), the channel (1008) being fluidly connected to an inlet opening (1016) of the cap (1006) to provide airflow within the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006).

Clause 4. The system (100) described in Clause 3, wherein the rail (1004) is disposed on the wingtip wall (1038) of the interior cabin (102) and is elongated so as to extend along the length of the interior cabin (102).

Clause 5. The system (100) of clause 3 or 4, wherein the outflow vent (1002) is a first outflow vent (1002), and the system (100) comprises a second outflow vent (1002) including a second cap (1006), the second cap (1006) being connected to the rail (1004) at a location spaced apart from the cap (1006) of the first outflow vent (1002), and the second outflow vent (1002) is configured to release airflow received from the channel (1008) of the rail (1004) through at least one slot hole (1032) in the second cap (1006) to form a second air curtain (110) within the interior cabin (102).

Clause 6. The system (100) described in clause 1 or 2, wherein the panel (1020) is a component of a personal service unit (PSU) (909) of the aircraft (210), the PSU (909) including a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909), and a cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers at least two discharge openings (906), such that air discharged from the at least two discharge openings (906) is received within a cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) and merges with an airflow received through an inlet opening (1016) at a first end (1012) of the cap (1006).

Clause 7. A system (100) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the cap (1006) is positioned above a row of seats (950) within the interior cabin (102), and at least one slot hole (1032) in the cap (1006) is positioned forward of the row of seats (950) along the longitudinal axis (130) of the interior cabin (102).

Clause 8. A system (100) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the outflow vent (1002) includes at least one vane (1054), the at least one vane (1054) being attached to an inner surface (1048) of the cap (1006) and inclined relative to the inner surface (1048) to direct airflow toward the at least one slot hole (1032).

Clause 9. A system (100) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the cap (1006) is positioned above a row of seats (950) within the interior cabin (102), and the at least one slot hole (1032) defines an air curtain axis (1039) generally parallel to the row axis (407) of the row of seats (950).

Clause 10. The system (100) of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the outflow vent (1002) further comprises a mounting unit (1018) attached to the inner surface (1048) of the cap (1006), the mounting unit (1018) including a frame (1022) and a deflectable mounting latch (1062) on the frame (1022), the frame (1022) configured to extend into a discharge opening defined by a vent housing (1084) connected to the panel (1020), the deflectable mounting latch (1062) configured to engage the vent housing (1084) to secure the cap (1006) to the panel (1020).

Clause 11. The system (100) of Clause 10, wherein the mounting unit (1018) is releasably coupled to the cap (1006) via one or more deflectable coupling latches (1062).

Clause 12. The system described in Clause 10, wherein the mounting unit (1018) is integrally connected to the cap (1006) such that the cap (1006) and the mounting unit (1018) define a unified monolithic body.

Clause 13. A vehicle (104) comprising an interior cabin (102) including a row of seats (950) and a panel (1020) disposed above the row of seats (950), and an air curtain system (100) within the interior cabin (102), the air curtain system (100) comprising an outflow vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably attached to the panel (1020) above the row of seats (950), the cap (1006) has a base wall (1028) disposed overlying the panel (1020), the base wall (1028) defining at least one slot hole (1032) extending therethrough, the cap (1006) receiving the airflow generated by the airflow generator (106), the at least one slot hole (1032) directing the airflow from the cap (1006) to form an air curtain (110) associated with a row of seats (950) below;
Vehicle (104).

Clause 14. The cap (1006) defines a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), and the first end (1012) of the cap (1006) defines an inlet opening (1016), and the air curtain system (100) further comprises a rail (1004) defining a channel (1008), through which airflow is directed from the airflow generating device (106). The vehicle (104) described in clause 13, wherein the rail (1004) is coupled to the first end (1012) of the cap (1006) and the channel (1008) is fluidly connected to the inlet opening (1016) to provide an air flow within the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) before the air flow is released from the cap (1006) through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110).

Clause 15. A vehicle as described in clause 13 or 14, wherein at least one slot hole (1032) defines an air curtain axis (1039) generally parallel to the row axis (407) of the row of seats (950), and the at least one slot hole (1032) is positioned forward of the row of seats (950) along the longitudinal axis (130) of the interior cabin (102).

Clause 16. A vehicle (104) as described in Clause 13, wherein the cap (1006) defines a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), the panel (1020) being a component of a personal service unit (PSU) (909) of the aircraft (210), the PSU (909) including a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909), and the cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers at least two discharge openings (906), such that air discharged from the at least two discharge openings (906) is received within and joins the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) before being discharged from the cap (1006) through at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110).

Clause 17. A system (100) comprising: a rail (1004) operably connected to an airflow generator (106) of a vehicle (104), the rail (1004) defining a channel (1008) for conveying airflow from the airflow generator (106); and an outflow vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably attached to a panel (1020) within the vehicle (104), the cap (1006) having a base wall (1028) disposed overlying the panel (1020), the base wall (1028) having at least one slot hole (1010) extending therethrough. the cap (1006) defines a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), the first end (1012) of the cap (1006) defines an inlet opening (1016) and is coupled to the rail (1004) such that the inlet opening (1016) is in fluid communication with the channel (1008) of the rail (1004), the cap (1006) receives airflow from the rail (1004) into the cavity (1046) and releases the airflow through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form an air curtain (110) within the interior cabin (102);
System (100).

Clause 18. The system (100) of clause 17, wherein the panel (1020) is a component of a personal service unit (PSU) (909) of the vehicle (104), the PSU (909) including a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909), and a cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers at least two discharge openings (906), such that air discharged from the at least two discharge openings (906) is received within a cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) and merges with airflow received from the rail (1004) through an inlet opening (1016) at a first end (1012) of the cap (1006) before being discharged through at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110).

Various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but it is understood that such terms are used only with reference to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed, such as top becoming bottom or vice versa, horizontal becoming vertical, etc.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally shaped, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to such task or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, as used herein, an object that is incapable of performing a task or operation without being modified is not "configured to" perform such task or operation.

As used herein, approximation modifiers such as "about," "substantially," "generally," and "approximately" inserted before a numerical value indicate that the value may represent other values within a predetermined threshold range above and/or below this particular value without resulting in a change in the fundamental function to which it may relate. Thus, a value modified by one or more words such as "about," "substantially," "generally," or "approximately" may not be limited to a specific exact value. These approximation terms may indicate that the value falls within a predetermined threshold range of the exact value. Such a threshold range may be plus or minus 3% of the exact value, plus or minus 5% of the exact value, plus or minus 10% of the exact value, etc. Two generally parallel items or axes may have inclinations that are within 3 degrees of each other in one example, within 5 degrees of each other in a second example, and within 10 degrees of each other in a third example.

It should be understood that the above description is illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to the teachings of various embodiments of the present disclosure to adapt to particular situations or materials without departing from the scope of such embodiments. While the dimensions and types of materials set forth herein are intended to define the parameters of various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are by no means limiting, but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the Detailed Description herein, the words "including" and "in which" are used as plain English equivalents of the words "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the phrase "means for" followed by a recitation of the functional void of further structure is expressly used in such claim limitations.

This specification uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing any encompassed methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have only minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (20)

A system (100), comprising:
an effusion vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably mounted to a panel (1020) within an interior cabin (102) of the vehicle (104);
the cap (1006) has a base wall (1028) disposed over the panel (1020) to define a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), the base wall (1028) defining at least one slot hole (1032) extending therethrough;
the base wall (1028) extends from a first end (1012) of the cap (1006) to a second end (1014) of the cap (1006) opposite the first end (1012);
the first end (1012) of the cap (1006) defines an inlet opening (1016) to the cavity (1046), the first end (1012) being configured to be coupled to the rail (1004) such that the inlet opening (1016) is fluidly connected to a channel (1008) defined by the rail (1004);
the cap (1006) is configured to receive airflow entering the cavity (1046) from the rail (1004) through the inlet opening (1016) and to discharge the airflow from the cavity (1046) through the at least one slot hole (1032) in the base wall (1028) to form an air curtain (110) within the interior cabin (102).
System (100). The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the panel (1020) is a component of a personal service unit (PSU) (909) of an aircraft (210), the PSU (909) including a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909), and the cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers at least a first of the discharge openings (906), such that the air discharged from the first discharge opening is received within the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) and merges with the airflow received through the inlet opening (1016) at the first end (1012) of the cap (1006). an outflow vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably attached to a personal service unit (PSU) (909) within the interior cabin (102) of the vehicle (104);
the PSU includes a panel (1020) and a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909);
the cap (1006) has a base wall (1028) disposed over the panel (1020) to define a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), the base wall (1028) defining at least one slot hole (1032) extending therethrough;
the base wall (1028) extends from a first end (1012) of the cap (1006) to a second end (1014) of the cap (1006) opposite the first end (1012);
the cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers at least a first one of the discharge openings (906), so that the air discharged from the first discharge opening is received within the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) and merges with the airflow received through the inlet opening (1016) at the first end (1012) of the cap (1006);
The cap (1006) is configured to release the air flow from the cavity (1046) through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form an air curtain (110) within the interior cabin (102). 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rail is disposed on a tip wall of the interior cabin and is elongated to extend along the length of the interior cabin. 5. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the outlet vent (1002) is a first outlet vent (1002), and the system (100) comprises a second outlet vent (1002) including a second cap (1006), the second cap (1006) being connected to the rail (1004) at a location spaced apart from the cap (1006) of the first outlet vent (1002), and the second outlet vent (1002) is configured to release airflow received from the channel (1008) of the rail (1004) through at least one slot hole (1032) in the second cap (1006) to form a second air curtain (110) within the interior cabin (102). A system (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cap (1006) is positioned above a row of seats (950) within the interior cabin (102), and the at least one slot hole (1032) in the cap (1006) is positioned forward of the row of seats (950) along the longitudinal axis (130) of the interior cabin (102). The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outflow vent (1002) includes at least one vane (1054), the at least one vane (1054) attached to an inner surface (1048) of the cap (1006) and angled relative to the inner surface (1048) to direct the airflow toward the at least one slot hole (1032). The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cap (1006) is positioned above a row of seats (950) within the interior cabin (102), and at least one slot hole (1032) defines an air curtain axis (1039) generally parallel to a row axis (407) of the row of seats (950). the base wall (1028) is elongated parallel to a row axis (407) associated with a row of seats (950) in the interior cabin (102) such that a first end (1012) of the cap (1006) is an end toward the wingtip and a second end (1014) of the cap (1006) is an end toward the inboard side; and/or
9. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot hole (1032) extending through the base wall (1028) includes a first slot elongated parallel to a row axis (407) associated with a row of seats (950) within the interior cabin (102). The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outflow vent (1002) further comprises a mounting unit (1018) attached to the inner surface (1048) of the cap (1006), the mounting unit (1018) including a frame (1022) having a deflectable mounting latch (1062), the frame (1022) configured to extend into a discharge opening defined by a vent housing (1084) connected to the panel (1020), the deflectable mounting latch (1062) configured to engage the vent housing (1084) to secure the outflow vent (1002) to the panel (1020). The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the mounting unit (1018) is releasably coupled to the cap (1006) via one or more flexible coupling latches (1062). The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the mounting unit (1018) is integrally connected to the cap (1006) such that the cap (1006) and the mounting unit (1018) define a unified monolithic body. A system (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, for a plurality of rows of seats within the interior cabin (102), a plurality of the outflow vents (1002) are spaced apart so as to form air curtains (110) between adjacent seats in the row of seats and/or between adjacent rows of seats. The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a return vent (116) positioned proximate to, on the surface of, and/or within a floor (122) supporting rows of seats (950) within the interior cabin (102) for receiving air curtains (110) that have passed between the rows of seats. A vehicle (104),
an interior cabin (102) including a row of seats (950) and a panel (1020) disposed above the row of seats (950); and an air curtain system (100) within the interior cabin (102), the air curtain system (100) comprising an outflow vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably attached to the panel (1020) above a row of the seats (950), the cap (1006) having a base wall (1028) disposed over the panel (1020) to define a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), the base wall (1028) defining at least one slot hole (1032) extending therethrough, the cap (1006) configured to emit airflow from the cap (1006) through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form an air curtain (110) associated with the row of the seats (950) below;
a first end (1012) of said cap (1006) defining an inlet opening (1016);
The air curtain system (100) further comprises a rail (1004) defining a channel (1008) through which airflow from a ventilation system of the vehicle (104) is directed;
the rail (1004) is coupled to the first end (1012) of the cap (1006), and the channel (1008) is fluidly connected to the inlet opening (1016) to direct the airflow into the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) before the airflow is released from the cap (1006) through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110);
Vehicle (104). The vehicle (104) of claim 15, wherein the panel (1020) is a component of a personal service unit (PSU) (909) of an aircraft (210), the PSU (909) including a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909), and the cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers a first of the plurality of discharge openings (906), such that the air discharged from the first discharge opening is received within the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) before being discharged from the cap (1006) through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110). A vehicle (104),
an interior cabin (102) including a row of seats (950) and a personal service unit (PSU) (909) disposed above the row of seats (950); and an air curtain system (100) within the interior cabin (102),
the PSU includes a panel (1020) and a plurality of discharge openings (906) through which air is discharged from the PSU (909);
The air curtain system (100) comprises an outflow vent (1002) including a cap (1006) removably attached to the panel (1020) above the row of seats (950), the cap (1006) having a base wall (1028) disposed over the panel (1020) to define a cavity (1046) between the panel (1020) and the base wall (1028), the base wall (1028) defining at least one slot hole (1032) extending therethrough;
the cap (1006) is configured to emit airflow from the cavity (1046) through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form an air curtain (110) associated with a row of the seats (950) below;
A vehicle (104) in which the cap (1006) attached to the panel (1020) covers at least a first discharge opening of the plurality of discharge openings (906), thereby allowing the air discharged from the first discharge opening to be received within the cavity (1046) of the cap (1006) before being discharged through the at least one slot hole (1032) to form the air curtain (110). A vehicle as described in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one slot hole (1032) defines an air curtain axis (1039) generally parallel to a row axis (407) of the row of seats (950), and the at least one slot hole (1032) is positioned forward of the row of seats (950) along the longitudinal axis (130) of the interior cabin (102). A vehicle as described in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, for a plurality of rows of seats within the interior cabin (102), a plurality of the outflow vents (1002) are spaced apart so as to form air curtains (110) between adjacent seats in the row of seats and/or between adjacent rows of seats. 20. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, comprising a return vent (116) located proximate to, on the surface of, and/or within a floor (122) supporting the rows of seats, for receiving an air curtain that has passed between the rows of seats .